Jussie Smollett Honoured At The Seventh Annual Gentlemen’s Ball

Jussie Smollett, actor, singer and activist and one of the stars of the television drama Empire, was recently honoured at the annual Gentlemen’s Ball in Atlanta.

Now in its seventh year, the black-tie fundraising gala raises money for scholarships and celebrates the accomplishments of black LGBTQ people who have “significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of life of the minority LGBTQ community and who have demonstrated a commitment to social change.” Smollett was honoured alongside Alicia Garza, co-founder of Black Lives Matter.

“The Gentlemen’s Foundation has been committed to celebrating, supporting, empowering and mentoring same gender loving, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer black men, as well as encouraging healthy dialogue on issues that promote development and growth, public service, leadership, and networking,” co-founders Gee and Juan Smalls said in a statement.

Smollett, who proudly portrays an openly gay black man on TV, is also openly gay in real life. He’s passionate about using his platform for good and is on a mission to raise funds and awareness to fight HIV/AIDS in the black gay community. His Twitter bio says it all: “I am simply here to help save the world. Nothing is more important than love.”

Congratulations, Jussie! The title “Gentleman of the Year” is well deserved.

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JUMOL ROYES is a Toronto-based writer/PR & communications strategist with a keen interest in personal development and transformation. Follow him on Twitter @Jumol.